iPhone Fold Rumored to be Thinner Than iPhone Air

Apple’s 2025 iPhone Air might hold the title of the thinnest iPhone for now, but according to some rumors, that could soon change. The upcoming iPhone Fold, anticipated to be Apple’s entrée into the foldable market next year, could end up being even slimmer when fully opened—a potentially game-changing move for Apple’s design ethos.

iPhone Fold’s Slim Profile: Potential Size and Design Details

The iPhone Air currently measures about 5.6mm in thickness. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the forthcoming foldable model could be as slim as 4.5 to 4.8mm when laid flat, making it roughly 20% thinner than the Air. Fold this new device, and it’s expected to be around 9 to 9.5mm, similar to the existing iPhone 17 Pro when closed. Yet, the real change comes in its unfolded form.

Kuo also points out that the incorporation of stainless steel and titanium in the foldable’s hinge could provide the needed strength for such a slender form. An “invisible crease” display is another touted feature, and it’s said to be central to Apple’s promotional strategy.

Display, Biometrics, and Camera System in the Works

Rumored features of the iPhone Fold include a 7.8-inch main display alongside a 5.5-inch external screen. When open, this places it near the size of an iPad mini. However, this slender profile may come with trade-offs. Reports indicate that Face ID might be on the chopping block, likely replaced by Touch ID integrated into the side button. This would make the Fold the first iPhone void of Face ID since those days back in 2017.

On the camera front, users can reportedly expect a dual-camera system on the rear and a front-facing camera that functions in both folded and unfolded states.

Pricing and Availability: What To Expect

Positioned as a high-end device, the iPhone Fold is predicted to exceed $2,000 in price. Ming-Chi Kuo projects initial shipments around 3 to 5 million units in 2026, with the possibility of hitting up to 20 million units by 2027 as a second-generation model enters the scene.

While foldables currently make up under 2% of global phone sales, they’ve gained popularity in China—a market where Apple has ceded ground to other brands. The iPhone Fold could aid in reclaiming a foothold there and potentially jumpstart a trend in Apple’s broader iPhone lineup overhaul.

This launch coincides with Apple’s efforts to advance Siri, with AI initiatives like ongoing dialog with Google on their Gemini platform. By 2026, the synergy of a daring new design coupled with advanced AI might rekindle the buzz surrounding iPhones.

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